Celebrity Chef Andrew Zimmern Hosts Star-Studded Culinary Event Supporting S:US
Chefs Becker, Choi, Samuelsson, Forgione and Waxman with Andrew Zimmern.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 11, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Duyos
[email protected]
305-905-1536
2026 Dinner for a Better New York® Raised More Than $1.6 Million for Critical Investments in Homelessness Prevention, Affordable and Supportive Housing, and Behavioral Health Services
NEW YORK – On June 10, Services for the UnderServed (S:US) held its signature annual fundraising event, the 2026 Dinner for a Better New York®, at the Tribeca Rooftop. Hosted by renowned chef and television personality Andrew Zimmern, the Dinner for a Better New York® celebrates S:US’ 48 years of unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of New York’s most vulnerable residents.
The evening featured an all-star lineup of acclaimed chefs joining Zimmern, including Daniel Boulud, Alex Guarnaschelli, Marcus Samuelsson, Fariyal Abdullahi, Michael White, Esther Choi, Sean Feeney, Angie Mar, Franklin Becker, Marc Forgione, Leah Cohen, and Jonathan Waxman. Together, they created an unforgettable dining experience that celebrated both extraordinary culinary talent and the collective commitment to supporting vulnerable New Yorkers.
“This evening showcased the power of community in action,” said Perry Perlmutter, CEO of Services for the UnderServed. “By bringing together some of New York’s most celebrated chefs, dedicated supporters, and community leaders, Dinner for a Better New York raised critical funds that will help vulnerable New Yorkers access housing, treatment, employment opportunities, and the support they need to thrive. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who helped make this event such a success.”
Funds raised support S:US’ comprehensive programs serving tens of thousands of New York City and Long Island’s most vulnerable individuals and families, creating pathways to stable and productive lives through housing, employment, skills building, treatment, and rehabilitation services.
About the Featured Chefs:
- Andrew Zimmern (Host): James Beard Award-winning chef, author, and television personality known for “Bizarre Foods” and his advocacy for food justice
- Daniel Boulud: French-born chef and restaurateur behind Cafe Boulud and the Michelin-starred restaurant Daniel
- Alex Guarnaschelli: Iron Chef and executive chef at Butter Restaurant, known for her appearances on Food Network
- Marcus Samuelsson: James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur behind Red Rooster Harlem, Hav & Mar, and other acclaimed establishments
- Fariyal Abdullahi: Executive Chef of Hav & Mar, known for cuisine inspired by her Ethiopian heritage and global influences
- Michael White: James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur known for his acclaimed Italian cuisine and restaurants around the world
- Esther Choi: Chef and restaurateur known for modern Korean cuisine at Mokbar
- Sean Feeney: Co-founder of Grovehouse Hospitality Group, and managing partner at Red Hook Tavern and Hometown Bar-B-Que
- Angie Mar: Chef and restaurateur known for her New York City restaurant Le B.
- Franklin Becker: Chef and restaurateur behind Point Seven, known for his ingredient-driven cuisine and hospitality ventures across New York City
- Marc Forgione: Iron Chef and restaurateur known for his modern American cuisine
- Leah Cohen: Chef and owner of Pig & Khao, known for her Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine influenced by her Filipino heritage
- Jonathan Waxman: Pioneer of California cuisine and James Beard Award winner
The 2026 Dinner for a Better New York® raised more than $1.6 million to support Services for the UnderServed’s programs—the highest amount ever raised at this event—demonstrating the community’s strong commitment to serving New York’s most vulnerable populations.
This year’s honorees included Richman Housing Resources LLC; Victor Rosenzweig, Member of the S:US Board of Directors; and Lavon Turner, an S:US program participant. The event was co-chaired by Josh Bider, Erin Felker Bond, Gail McCallion, Linda Nguyen, Marie Isabelle Palacios Hardy, and Deborah Wolfe.
Services for the UnderServed thanks its 2026 sponsors Suzanne & Victor Rosenzweig, LAMB Insurance Services, Richman Housing Resources LLC, Sandra Stark & Jim Mersfelder, Janine Tramontana & Gareth Old, The Beacon Group, D&J Transportation, Lori & Sloan Goan, Teresa & Larry Hamdan, John McKesson, Andy Frain Services, BDO, Bronx Pro Group, BPG Home Builders, Cushman & Wakefield, Hirschen Singer & Epstein LLP, National Advisors Trust, Olshan, and TD Bank for supporting this important event.
To learn more and support Services for the UnderServed’s work, please visit sus.org.
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About Services for the UnderServed (S:US):
S:US helps vulnerable New Yorkers build stable, healthy, and fulfilling lives, starting with a place to call home. Through homelessness prevention, affordable and supportive housing, and services that promote health, independence, and community, S:US creates pathways to lasting stability. Even as it serves tens of thousands annually, S:US meets each person with dedicated support shaped around their own path and goals. Their efforts are supported by various local, state, and federal government entities, foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
